Upper Silver Lake Dam, located in Silver Lake Village, Michigan, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 475 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet. The dam spans across Au Sable Creek and is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.
With a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Upper Silver Lake Dam is deemed to pose significant risks in the event of a failure. However, as of the last inspection in November 2019, the condition of the dam was reported as satisfactory. Despite its potential risks, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for visitors and residents in the area, offering a surface area of 126 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 880 cubic feet per second. The dam also features a controlled spillway with a width of 5 feet, further enhancing its safety measures for managing water levels during heavy rainfall or flooding events.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Au Sable Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
126 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
11.9 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
White River Near Whitehall
|
258cfs |
Bear Creek Near Muskegon
|
6cfs |
Pere Marquette River At Scottville
|
459cfs |
Muskegon River Near Croton
|
1260cfs |
Little Muskegon River Near Oak Grove
|
164cfs |
Manistee River Near Wellston
|
1480cfs |